CVE-2025-8943
CVE-2025-8943
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- None
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
Description
The Custom MCPs feature is designed to execute OS commands, for instance, using tools like `npx` to spin up local MCP Servers. However, Flowise's inherent authentication and authorization model is minimal and lacks role-based access controls (RBAC). Furthermore, in Flowise versions before 3.0.1 the default installation operates without authentication unless explicitly configured. This combination allows unauthenticated network attackers to execute unsandboxed OS commands.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2025-8943
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2025-8943 CVSS Score: 9.8
The vulnerability in Flowise's Custom MCPs feature allows unauthenticated network attackers to execute unsandboxed OS commands due to minimal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The lack of role-based access controls (RBAC) and the default installation operating without authentication exacerbate the risk. The CVSS score of 9.8 indicates a critical severity level, highlighting the potential for significant impact if exploited.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Network Access: Attackers can exploit this vulnerability over the network without requiring any authentication.
- Command Injection: The Custom MCPs feature can be manipulated to execute arbitrary OS commands.
- Lateral Movement: Once an attacker gains initial access, they can move laterally within the network, potentially compromising other systems.
Exploitation Methods:
- Direct Command Execution: Attackers can send crafted requests to the Flowise server to execute OS commands.
- Automated Scripts: Malicious scripts can be used to automate the exploitation process, making it easier to target multiple systems.
- Phishing and Social Engineering: Attackers may use phishing techniques to trick users into installing malicious MCPs that exploit this vulnerability.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- Flowise versions before 3.0.1
Systems at Risk:
- Any system running the affected versions of Flowise, particularly those with the Custom MCPs feature enabled and without proper authentication configured.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Upgrade Software: Upgrade to Flowise version 3.0.1 or later, which includes fixes for this vulnerability.
- Enable Authentication: Ensure that authentication is explicitly configured and enforced.
- Implement RBAC: Configure role-based access controls to limit the execution of OS commands to authorized users only.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of an attack.
- Monitoring and Logging: Enhance monitoring and logging to detect and respond to suspicious activities promptly.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
The discovery of CVE-2025-8943 underscores the importance of robust authentication and authorization mechanisms in software design. The vulnerability highlights the risks associated with default configurations that prioritize ease of use over security. Organizations must adopt a security-first approach, ensuring that all software components are thoroughly vetted for potential vulnerabilities before deployment.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Root Cause: The Custom MCPs feature in Flowise allows OS command execution without proper authentication and authorization checks.
- Exploitation: Attackers can send unauthenticated requests to the Flowise server to execute arbitrary OS commands, leading to remote code execution (RCE).
Detection and Response:
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to detect unusual network traffic patterns indicative of command injection attempts.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and implement an incident response plan to quickly address any detected exploitation attempts.
- Patch Management: Ensure a robust patch management process to apply security updates promptly.
Example Exploit Code:
# Example of a crafted request to exploit the vulnerability
curl -X POST http://vulnerable-flowise-server/custom-mcp -d '{"command":"npx some-malicious-command"}'
Mitigation Code:
# Example of enabling authentication in Flowise
flowise config set auth.enabled true
flowise config set auth.username admin
flowise config set auth.password securepassword
Conclusion: CVE-2025-8943 represents a critical vulnerability that underscores the need for stringent security measures in software development and deployment. Organizations must prioritize security configurations, regular updates, and proactive monitoring to safeguard against such threats.
References:
This comprehensive analysis provides a clear understanding of the vulnerability, its potential impact, and the necessary steps to mitigate the risk effectively.